"Yes I do—he's a tower of strength. I told him once my ideal of a husband, and he's the only man that has fulfilled it. I want some one like a rock for steadiness and reliability, he must never fail me, never deceive me, never disappoint me. And his soul must be the strongest part of him; for mine is the weakest. And you know his side of the bargain. A scatter-brained, changeable, impetuous, well-meaning, but altogether selfish bubble—just a frothy bubble. But—" here sudden fire leaped to her eyes—"I'll do better, and I'll spend my life in making him happy. He never thinks of himself, he has always thought first of others. I will think first of him." "You embarrass me," said Thorold. Mrs. Wharnecliffe gave a turn to the conversation. "Personalities will now be avoided," she said playfully. "What is more to the purpose is—how long will you be able to stay here, Thorold?" "I must get back to-morrow night." They began to discuss plans. But Gentian's glowing animation died down. She sat with clasped hands round her knees, gazing dreamily across the sunny lawn. She felt that this was the golden hour in her life, and as her eyes wandered up to the deep blue sky above her, she wondered if her faithful friend would be allowed to know the great happiness that had come to her. CHAPTER XV THEIR GOLDEN TIME THOROLD did not leave till late the next afternoon. He took Gentian off for a walk in the morning. And they found a lot to say to each other, though perhaps he was the more silent of the two. She was rather shy at times. "You see," she explained to him, "I am not yet accustomed to my new position. And if it seems to turn my head at first, you must make allowances. It's rather a case of King Cophetua and the beggar-maid. Yes, I'm next door to a beggar-maid, and to know that for the rest of my life I shall have no money anxieties is entrancing. Do you think now if the mine goes on well, that you and I could get a couple of good horses and ride about together in Cornwall? You see, I'm at my old trade, begging from the king already!" Her laughter rang out so merrily that Thorold could not help joining her. "Yes, we will ride together," he said. "I would rather ride any day than use a car." "And you'll take that little grey stone house, and let me make it cosy and pretty? What a lot of things there are to be done! Oh, I wonder if I shall make you a good wife? You like the old-fashioned sort, don't you? A wife who'll always stay at home, and take care of the house, and welcome her husband back with smiles of peace and looks of love. I'm afraid I shall find it very difficult, but I mean to do everything you want. Oh, Cousin Thor, you don't know how I worship you!" "We'll drop the 'cousin,' shall we?"